BALANCING THE BENEFITS OF LOCATING IN LANCASTER & MORECAMBE ISN'T HARD.

FACTORS SUCH AS AFFORDABLE OFFICE RENTAL LEVELS, SHOW THAT IT OFFERS GREAT VALUE COMPARED TO OTHER MAJOR NORTHWEST CITIES AND TOWNS.

Add in the city's excellent transport links, low house prices, superb quality of life and high achieving schools, and it's easy to see why so many organisations are keen to call Lancaster & Morecambe home.

• Considering the high skill level of Lancaster & Morecambe's workforce, the city area has very competitive wage levels. Average wage rates estimated through the New Earnings Survey are £430 per week for full time workers. This compares to £440 for the Northwest and £485 for England and compares favourably to Carlisle and Exeter.
• According to Land Registry figures in September 2005, the average property price in Lancaster was almost 24 per cent cheaper than England and Wales; while in Morecambe, house prices were 37 per cent lower.
• Business premises costs in Lancaster are extremely competitive in relation to other Northwest commercial centres: with prime office space in Lancaster available at £10 per square foot. This compares to £27.50 in Manchester.
• Local businesses have access to one of the best business support packages available. The whole area is eligible under the government's Selective Finance for Investment (SFI) scheme which provides discretionary grants for business expansion. This is complemented by locally administered financial assistance.